More and more doctors and Naturopaths are recommending that their patients boost their vitamin D supplements. Why? Because good recent research shows deficiencies are widespread, especially in the northern hemisphere where we don't get enough sun exposure for more than half the year!

Although at one time 400IU was considered appropriate for supplementation, many health care practitioners are now recommending 1000-4000IU/day, with doses as high as 10,000IU/day still being considered safe and necessary depending on the condition and assuming you are under the supervision of a healthcare provider.

It is fair to say that we are only just beginning to understand the immense difference that vitamin D can make in terms of everyday health and disease prevention.

Vitamin D plays an integral role in bone health, promoting our absorption of both calcium and phosphorus. For this reason, it is commonly used in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

We are understanding more and more the importance that vitamin D is playing in supporting immune function. Vitamin D has the ability to modulate the immune response, rather than simply strengthen it. In cases of immune dysregulation (autoimmune disorders, cancer, psoriasis) it serves to balance the response, therefore decreasing the dangerous over-reaction to our own cells and tissues that is seen in many of these conditions. Research studying the use of vitamin D in influenza and various respiratory tract infections, has also showed some promising results. It is now considered one of the top supplements to use during cold and flu season to ward off the offending viruses and bacterium. Vitamin D deficiencies have been associated with an increased risk of influenza, as well as the common cold. The fat soluble vitamin has been shown to dramatically stimulate the expression of potent anti-microbial peptides, which exist in neutrophils, monocytes, natural killer cells, and in epithelial cells lining the respiratory tract. These cells play a major role in protecting the lung from infection.

Research on the effects that vitamin D status has on the incidence of cancer, particularly colorectal and other digestive system cancers, as well as female reproductive cancers, is also more than convincing. High vitamin D status was found to very significantly decrease the incidence of colorectal cancers in men (40%), as well as the incidence of other digestive system cancers. Vitamin D has been found to decrease proliferation, metastatic potential and angiogenesis of cancer cells, while simultaneously increasing differentiation and apoptosis.

Vitamin D has heart protective effects, as well. It has been shown to lower high blood pressure and is useful in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Vitamin D is also being used in the management of Type II diabetes, as it has been shown to be involved in insulin secretion and glucose tolerance. Many mental disorders are now being correlated with vitamin D deficiency and supplementation is proving beneficial for many individuals suffering from depression, schizophrenia, seasonal effective disorder, manic/bipolar disorder and autism.

Vitamin D deficiency is considered less than 50 ng/ml of 25(OH)D, which is the active form of vitamin D in our bodies. Deficiency can occur with inadequate sun exposure, inadequate dietary intake, kidney or liver disease, and alcoholism. Elderly, dark-skinned, and obese populations, as well as those with fat malabsorption syndromes or inflammatory bowel disease, are also said to be at greater risk. Vitamin D deficiency causes rickets in children, leading to weak and deformed bones. In adults, deficiency can lead to osteomalacia, and osteoporosis, dental problems, muscle weakness and tooth decay.

When supplementing with Vitamin D, be sure to look for D3 (cholecalciferol) as it is significantly more efficient at raising 25(OH)D levels than the other form of D, D2 (ergocalciferol).

· as vitamin d is a fat soluble vitamin, toxicity (termed hypercalcemia) is possible, with symptoms including headache, weakness, nausea, vomiting, and constipation.

· look for vitamin d3, as it is converted to the active form of the vitamin more efficiently.

· in canadian climates, it is not possible to get adequate amounts of vitamin d from the sun throughout the winter months. deficiency is very common and supplementation during these months may be necessary.

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